Some other suggestions for Naga solution
• Representation of Nagas in Embassies/Consulates abroad, especially in the South-East Asian countries should form part of the agreement
• A fresh review of the composition of the Nagaland State Assembly, representation in the Parliament and composition of Council of Ministers shall have to be worked out
• A special financial arrangement for the State of Nagaland and other Naga areas should be made for a period of twenty years and at the expiry of the period, it can be reviewed.
• All the major projects such as major highways and road connecting most of the Border States adjoining Myanmar should be fully funded by the Central government.
• Airports, power generation projects and specialized health care institutions should be accorded special priority under Central schemes.
• Border Security Scouts (BSS) to guard Nagaland’s long and porous border. The BSS can constructively absorb many UG cadres
• Pan Naga cultural and traditional league to be a unique organization where all Nagas can meet for traditional and cultural exchanges.
‘Tryst with destiny is now… historic and landmark political decision is at its final stage’
DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 11 (MExN): Senior Congress leader Dr SC Jamir, a former Chief Minister of Nagaland who has also served as Governor of Goa and Maharashtra, has spelled out what he termed as the ‘roadmap of Naga political solution’. In a detailed report submitted to The Morung Express today, Jamir who is a member of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), the highest decision making body of the Indian National Congress, has stated that this was the most “propitious time for solution”. “The Naga problem which has continued for more than six decades have to come to a logical conclusion and that tryst with destiny is now”, Jamir stated.
While sounding optimistic, Jamir also cautioned that it will “be a folly for the Nagas to indulge in blame game at this crucial and critical period, when historic and landmark political decision is at its final stage”. Interestingly Jamir also had a message for the leaders who are either involved or engaged in this political process, mentioning that there is a “native or indigenous Naga polity which is even superior to the western concept of sovereignty in many ways”. “Any political arrangement should safeguard and provide sufficient space for the growth of native Naga polity without disturbing the basic structures of the Indian constitution”, was what Jamir stated.
On what he termed as ‘guiding principles’ for leaders who have to decide the future of the Nagas, Jamir called for recognition of the fact that “all undergrounds are inalienable part of the Naga community and as such they must have a say in the final political settlement”.
He also stated that Naga people had the right to know the kind of issues involved, to determine their political future. Also as long as the agreement is honorable for the Nagas, with any of the group or groups, the people should support. “There is no other way except to have agreement on the basis of contemporary political realities”, Jamir stated while also pointing out that Nagas will have to reconcile with whatever settlement or solution is made by leaders of the underground.
On what he termed as ‘operative part’, Jamir was of the view that the political agreement between the government of India and the representatives of the Nagas should be exempted from the ambit of any amendment of the constitution under Article 368 unless consented to by the Nagaland Legislative Assembly by a specific resolution. He also suggested that Article 371A (iv) should continue to be operative in the State of Nagaland and other areas inhabited by the Nagas. Also it should be clearly stated that petroleum and petroleum products are included in land and its resources without any ambiguity.
Regarding economic safeguards and preferential allocation of resources, Jamir has stated that the present pattern of funding can never achieve the desired results and the need was for a special financial dispensation/package for the state of Nagaland and other areas inhabited by the Nagas. HE said this was absolutely necessary for a period of at least 20 years. In his regard he suggested that a Special High Powered Committee may have to be constituted by the Government of India to formulate a comprehensive strategy for multi-sectoral economic development of Nagaland.
In conclusion while stating that any agreement should be based on the genuine political aspiration and urges of the Naga people, Jamir made the point that “those who lived through blood and sacrifices for the cause dear to every Naga heart should return to their respective home sweet homes as heroes but not as villains”. In this regard, he stated that all agencies including the Churches should do everything possible to generate an ideal environment in Naga society in the spirit of Christian love and compassion.
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